The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the creation of two new Area Commands and the upgrade of five Police Stations to Divisional status in Benue State.

The strategic adjustment followed a comprehensive appraisal of the security realities within the state, particularly in troubled local councils, where additional deployments and police presence have become highly imperative.

The newly created Area Commands are Daudu Area Command, which will oversee Guma, Daudu, Yelwata, and Agan Police Divisions; and Naka Area Command, to supervise Naka, Apa, Agatu, and Okpokolo Police Divisions.

Similarly, Ayilamo, Yelwata, Jato-Aka, Okpokolo, and Agan Police Stations have been upgraded to full-fledged Divisions.

“The new strategic move is geared towards bridging identified operational gaps, enhancing Police visibility, and ensuring more effective policing of difficult terrains.

“This restructuring is aimed at ensuring improved response to distress calls, fostering quicker resolution of conflicts and bringing policing services closer to the grassroots for better security outcomes,” the Police said in a statement on Friday.

The IGP charged the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, alongside officers to be deployed to the newly created Area Commands and upgraded Divisional Headquarters, to demonstrate renewed commitment and professionalism in ensuring robust security for the people within the affected areas.

He also called on the government and the people of Benue State to continue to support the Police at all levels, noting that such collaboration remains pivotal to enhancing quality service delivery and sustaining peace across the State.

Also, Egbetoku directed commissioners of police in other areas experiencing similar security challenges arising from difficult terrains to evolve practical strategies that will guarantee comprehensive and community-driven policing within their jurisdictions, assuring them of support and resources from the Force Headquarters to ensure effective and sustainable policing nationwide.